I was reading around about the Radio Frequency and its effect on the GAS/Petrol

Question

I was reading around about the Radio Frequency and its effect on the GAS/Petrol forecourts, suddenly i came across something posted by someone,

"I personally went on a trip with some friends, one who received a nasty shock every time he tried to enter the car. Since he was the only one receiving these shocks I theorize that the source of his shocks were the shoes he was wearing. I told him to hold his key out toward the door and a spark jumped between the key and the body of the car. This prevented him from receiving the painful shock. But I could see how this could also ignite a gas fire."

I couldn't understand how the static electricity could cause the shock from the car ? and how could be the source of this is Shoes ? and how holding the key could prevent someone from this shock ?

Explanation / Answer

I couldn't understand how the static electricity could cause the shock from the car ?

Although the car looks like it should be insulated by the rubber tires they are actually quite good conductors so touching the car is a lot like touching any other grounded metal object.

and how could be the source of this is Shoes ?

Shoes, especially with synthetic soles that are being rubbed along the ground can build up a static charge.

and how holding the key could prevent someone from this shock ?

The key is metal and is held firmly in your hand, so the current flows smoothly from your hand to the key. The spark then jumps from the end of the key to the metal object. It's the very high field where the spark forms that hurts if it comes directly from your finger.

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